Technical Processes.A Roundup of MFP Devices.

By Olivia Cahoon

Part 2 of 2

Multifunction printers (MFPs) offer advanced printing, copying, and scanning capabilities to help print providers do more with less. With the use of an MFP, users may easily collaborate and share documents with customers and coworkers, especially in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. Due to their compact build, these devices are ideal for low-production environments and work areas where space is limited.

Available MFPs
Canon U.S.A., Inc. launched the imagePROGRAF TX Series in September 2017, it includes two MFPs—the imagePROGRAF TX-3000 MFP T36 and imagePROGRAF TX-4000 MFP T36. These systems offer an integrated MFP solution that features a new 36-inch scanner that can scan-to-copy in color in up to six inches per second (in/s) and scan up to 1,200 dpi. The systems include new SmartWorks software that allows users to scan to a multipage PDF, mark up drawings, and add text. In addition, users can scan-to-copy and scan-to-file simultaneously.

Canon Solutions America offers the Océ ColorWave 500, an all-in-one printer, copier, and scanner utilizing Océ CrystalPoint technology and Océ TonerPearls for CMYK. The device prints in B&W at up to 225 D size drawings per hour and in color at up to 212 D size drawings per hour. Contact Image Sensor with Océ Color Image Logic Technology outfits the scanner portion of the MFP. B&W scanning occurs at up to 47.9 feet per minute (fpm) and color scanning is up to 15.7 fpm.

The Colortrac SmartLF Ci 40 MFP solution is intended for users that handle large CAD technical drawings or office documents with color graphics for AEC industries. It handles images up to 40 inches wide with speeds up to ten in/s.

Contex offers the SD One MF series, which includes 24-, 36-, and 44-inch scanner models. Each offers speeds of up to 3.8 in/s in both monochrome and color with resolutions of 600 dpi. They can be integrated with printers from Canon, Epson, or HP, Inc. to create a multifunction solution.

Announced in September 2014, the Epson SureColor T-Series includes the T3270, T5270, T5270D, T7270, and T7270D. The T7270D has a maximum width of 44 inches and handles D-size prints in color and B&W. Its color scan speed is six in/s while B&W scan is 13 in/s. The series features PrecisionCore TFP printheads and UltraChrome XD Pigment Ink. Prices range from the SureColor T3270 at $2,995 to the T7270D at $6,995.

In October 2017, HP, Inc. released the HP DesignJet T830 24-inch MFP. The HP DesignJet T830 targets customers in the AEC and education markets. It has a 26 second per page print speed for A1 to D sizes. Its scanning speed is 1.5 in/s in color and 4.5 in/s in grayscale. The HP DesignJet T830 offers options for both roll fed and cut sheet. It features WiFi and WiFi Direct and its compatible with HP Click. The device has a listing price of $3,245.

Kip America’s KIP 980 is a high-demand multifunction production color system. It handles four- by 650-foot rolls of media at a 7,800 square foot media capacity. Productivity rates include 7,200 square feet per hour (sf/h) for B&W and 5,760 sf/h for color. The system can also be integrated with a KIPFold 2800 for folding printed materials.

Paradigm Imaging Group, Inc. offers several MFP devices including the Colortrac SmartLF Flex SG Series released in 2014. It is available in 36- and 44-inch widths and scans up to 13 in/s in B&W and four in/s in color. The system is available for upgrade from 36 to 44 inches and offers the ability to scan thick media. Pricing for Paradigm Imaging’s MFP devices range from $12,995 to $15,995.

Ricoh USA, Inc.’s MP CW2201SP is an all-in-one, full color and B&W MFP used for maps to CAD drawings and plans. The 36-inch wide device’s maximum print speed in full color is 2.1 pages per minute (ppm) and B&W is 3.8 ppm. Users appreciate the intuitively designed product. It offers easy front access to paper rolls and ink cartridges. An attached paper basket collects and stacks printed output. And a LED lamp indicator illuminates during operation.

Wide Format Functions
A variety of technical professionals adopt MFPs for wide format capabilities specifically configured with their needs in mind. With the ability to copy, scan, print, and share documents across a variety of devices, wide format MFPs are increasingly important in technical environments and beyond.